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Spider Mite Management

Identification and Life Cycle

Clemson University

Mites are common landscape pests that belong to the Arachnid family along with spiders and ticks–they even spin webbing.

Spider mites are the most frequently found mites in landscape settings and are nearly ubiquitous across all regions. They appear as tiny moving dots and it can be very difficult to distinguish species, which is not entirely necessary given their similar biology, damage and management.

There are two important species of spider mites which are commonly found damaging gardens and landscapes:

USDA FS-Northeastern Area Archive

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, may target a wide range of host species including eggplant, beans, currants, raspberries and pears. It can also occur on houseplants. Spider mites hatch from disproportionally large, round eggs laid near the leaf’s central vein from June through September. Activity will peak during the summer months and populations grow rapidly at this time. These pests reach maturity within a week and females will lay eggs a dozen at a time daily for about two weeks following mating.

Dry conditions are conducive to reproduction, growth and spread of all species spider mites.

Damage and Management

University of Minnesota Area Archive

Spider mites cause damage by sucking cell contents from within leaves. An infestation will be apparent by visible damage. The first appearance of damage will be light stippling which will turn bronze, then chlorotic and result in premature leaf drop. Pictured below is damage to a bean plant and a juniper from spider mites.

To aid in preventing a spider mite infestation on your landscape or houseplants, assure they receive adequate water. Management can be attained with the responsible use of appropriate treatment; if you suspect your landscape is suffering from spider mites, contact your arborist immediately.

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Chestnut Ridge, NY

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Oak Park, IL

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Fishkill, NY

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Bryn Mawr, PA

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Anthony D.

Worcester, MA

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April and Jim B.

Ossining, NY

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Philadelphia, PA

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Bob M.

Ossining, NY

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Brandon S.

Edina Country Club

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Chester County Resident

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Christine S.

Mortgage Professionals, Inc.

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Dayami L.

Corporate

Returning Employee

"I highly recommend David Wesley and his crew without any hesitation. In a field where there is an abundance of folks looking to take advantage of consumers with many trees on their lot, SavATree, David and crew strike me as incredibly honest and proud arborists which do a fantastic job. Thanks for a job well done. I look forward to continuing my relationship with SavATree and David."

Debbie D.

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Doug F.

New Rochelle, NY

"Many, many thanks for the work you did at Updike Farm. The care you showed our fruit trees, maples, and ornamental cherries will offer them a chance to recover from years of neglect. With so many challenges facing the Society at the farm, it is reassuring to know that many of the trees have been professionally cared for."

Gail S., Director

Historical Society of Princeton

Princeton, NJ

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George R.

Old Lyme, CT

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Herbert Q.

Pawcatuck, CT

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J. Andersen

Danbury, CT

"I was speaking with my husband about all the workers we have had on our new landscape over the past year and a half and we are so pleased with you and your staff. I trust [SavATree's] knowledge, experience, and expertise. I also would like to thank you for always being available should an issue arise. I feel like we are in the best of hands...Thanks so much for making our property beautiful."

Jennifer S.

Purchase, NY

"On behalf of the Township of Maplewood, I would like to take this opportunity to thank SavATree and especially your arborist, Lorainne, for the wonderful care that you are giving to the Township tree. The pruning that was performed by your arborists helped provide a much safer environment for pedestrians and vehicles in an extremely busy area. The work was carried out in a most professional manner with the utmost care."

J. Todd Lamm

NJ Tree Expert

Maplewood, NJ

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James S.

Wethersfield, CT

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Jeffrey B.

Salem, MA

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Jeffrey H., Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY

"Thank you for coming to our home yesterday to give us an evaluation on some of our trees, bushes and lawn. You always educate us how to improve our landscape endeavors. We also want to let you know how pleased we are with the improvement on our lawn after just one year of service. It was looking pretty pitiful this time last year. Thanks again for coming over. We were educated about our yard and got to talk about Lacrosse (the good ole' days)."

Jerry and Sue F.

Enfield, CT

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Joan K.

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Joe P.

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"It is with pleasure that I can comment on the work done recently by your great work crew. You are very fortunate to have such a polite, professional, and exceptionally safe work crew. Work conditions don't allow for conversation, [but] they were able to communicate via hand and eye signals that enabled them to work in a highly efficient manner. Their appearance, manners and excellent equipment make for a winning combination."

John K., Southbury, CT

Heritage Village

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Jordan O.

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"Allan Fenner [and] gave me a mental vision of what the finished product would look like. During the day of the pruning, he came to the site a couple of times to offer further explanation of what the tree climbers were doing at the time and what was to follow. They were all very polite, competent in what they do and truly enjoy their work; the clean-up in front and back was meticulous."

Judy B.

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"Alan and crew did a tremendous job at our house. With great skill, they removed two large trees, trimmed another tree plus three other smaller projects. Alan engineered the project with with careful attention to safety. I appreciated his friendly helpful manner throughout the day and his willingness to accommodate us. Our thanks to them for a job well done."

Julie F.

Windsor, CT

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Kathleen G. Gallagher, Executive Director

The Charles Ives Center for the Arts

Danbury, CT

"This is concerning the Certified Arborist, Thomas Marino. I have met him through SavATree. His care and concern for our home during the removal of our trees as well as his advice for future tree care has been exemplary. I look forward to working with him again in the near future."

Katie S.

The Studio

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Keith Austin

Briarcliff Manor, NY

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Kimberly and Bruce W.

Cape Cod, MA

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Kristin C., CPO

Evergreen Woods North

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"I want to commend you and your associates for the great work and the great attitude shown on my job. They were on time, friendly, professional and caring about doing the job right. I will not hesitate to recommend you and to your company to anyone I meet who is considering tree work. I know they will thank me."

Lee W.

Wayne, PA

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Lisa Simms

Asbury Park, NJ

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Lorianne B.

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16 years

"For over 14 years, I have entrusted the care of my trees, plants and orchard to SavATree. Their highly qualified arborists have exacting standards and understand how to maintain the health and form of the various species of trees on my property. I admire the artistic skill that goes into the pruning and love the colorful blossoms, fruits and foliage that flourish as a result of their impeccable care."

Martha Stewart

Katonah, NY

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Paul C.

Wyckoff

16 years

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Phyllis K.

Hyannis Port, MA

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Rich A.

Corporate

16 Years

"My wife and I are very pleased with the professionalism and expertise of SavATree. The office manager was pleasant and professional during each of my calls. [The arborist] understood the tree services we needed and was very knowledgeable. Additionally, the professionals who performed the tree services were diligent, efficient and friendly. I would not hesitate to hire SavATree again and recommend their services without reservation."

Richard C.

Dix Hills, NY

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Richard M.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

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S. DeVeau

Cortlandt Manor, NY

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Sam F.

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Sean Devine

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Steve W.

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Ted K.

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Timothy J. Strano

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Wadell S.

Historic Hudson Valley, NY

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